Health Matters By the staff at Van Wert County Hospital

The retirement revolution

    Forget the days of old ladies in rocking chairs and old men playing chess all day—retirement is experiencing a revolution.

    Seniors are trading in the notion of retirement as a time to slow down, and instead are seizing the time to explore new hobbies, learn exciting subjects, volunteer, travel and even embark on entirely new careers.

    “Retirement is basically an outdated term,” says Richard Ambrosius, vice president of PRAXEIS, a marketing and development company that specializes in senior living communities. “Where once it was a time of disengagement lasting a few years following an active work life, it now represents 20 percent to 30 percent of one’s adult life.”

    Most retirees are staying active after retirement, and an increasing number are making the choice to continue working part-time hours, while others branch out to embark on new careers.

    For retirees who leave their jobs behind, the possibilities are endless. “Where people once sought out a golf course, they are now interested in lifelong personal growth and enrichment,” Ambrosius says.

Lots to do...
    Take a Class:  You can register at your local community center for an academic course in a subject you’ve always found interesting, or take a class that offers fun and rewarding homework, such as cooking or mosaics.

    Exercise:  If you want to work out on your own, you can walk around your neighborhood or try other low-impact exercises. And there’s no need to be intimidated by the idea of joining a gym or enrolling in a yoga class—the right trainer or instructor will guide you toward a workout that suits you.

    Volunteer:  Share your gifts with others by becoming a volunteer. You can volunteer in the office at a nearby school, or record books on tape for the visually impaired. Volunteering is not only good for the community, it’s good for the soul.

    Travel:  Don’t forget to make time to get away. Traveling to another country, state or town can be quite an adventure. And you don’t have to visit all the tourist traps to have a good time—you can have just as much fun hitting up the locals’ hotspots.

Whistle While You…

    Don’t think the working world is ready to part with your wisdom? Here are some jobs that are great complements to retirement:

    Teacher assistant: This position is increasing in demand as classroom sizes grow.

    Tour guide: Museums, parks and art galleries are great places to work and learn about your community.

    Consultant: Businesses are always looking for advice. Why not share with them what you’ve already learned?